it functioning as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it functioning as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the role or purpose of something in a specific context. Example: "The software has several features, with it functioning as a tool for data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Novick has told residents that he intends to keep it functioning as a synagogue, though he has not elaborated.

The New York Times

It is considered by many to be Washington's most beautiful bridge, but few may remember it functioning as a drawbridge.

The Washington Post

It looks increasingly like a "philosopher's guide to the galaxy," as the Associated Press put it — functioning as a teaching tool, a status symbol and an elaborate celebration of the wonders of ancient science and technology.

The Washington Post

I am not one of the people who say hip-hop is dead; I think it has become a commercialized product different from the bottom-up culture that it used to be when you pioneered it, but I wonder if there are still examples of it functioning as a bottom-up culture in other parts of the world.

The New York Times

When both colliding micelles contain particles, the reaction occurs in the micelle containing the larger particle, which has a larger surface, and so increasing the probability of it functioning as a catalyst.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The chromosomal location of the YAP1 gene at 11q22 is also in favour of it functioning as a tumour suppressor given the frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and deletions of this region in breast cancers [ 26- 30].

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

During the other flights, the craft was either not released from its mother ship or it functioned as a glider.

Huffington Post

At best it functions as a phantasmagorical inventory of its moment.

The Guardian - Books

"It functions as a plantation," a local activist told me.

The New Yorker

It functioned as a washbasin because of the shape".

The New Yorker

Musically, it functions as a sort of Bowie retrospective.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it functioning as a" when you want to clearly define the role or purpose something serves within a specific system or context.

Common error

Avoid using "it functioning as a" in very simple sentences where a more direct verb like "is" or "acts as" would suffice. Overcomplicating simple statements can reduce clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it functioning as a" typically serves as a connector or descriptor within a sentence. It introduces the role or purpose of a specific subject, elaborating on how it operates within a particular context. Ludwig indicates this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it functioning as a" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for specifying the role or purpose of something. As Ludwig highlights, it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and technical writing. While effective, it should be used judiciously, ensuring it's the most concise way to convey the intended meaning. Alternatives like "it serves as a" or "it acts as a" may provide a simpler and more direct way to express the same concept in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it serving as a

Replaces "functioning" with "serving", emphasizing the role or purpose.

it acting as a

Substitutes "functioning" with "acting", focusing on the action or behavior.

it operating as a

Uses "operating" instead of "functioning", highlighting the mechanism or process.

it working as a

Employs "working" to indicate the active state of performing a role.

it being used as a

Focuses on the utilization aspect of something.

it designed as a

Highlights the intended purpose or design of something.

it purports to be a

Indicates a claim or assertion about the function.

its role as a

Replaces the verb with a noun phrase emphasizing the role.

it fulfilling the role of a

Emphasizes the fulfillment of a specific role.

its function as a

Highlights the designed function of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it functioning as a" to sound more concise?

Consider alternatives such as "it serves as a", "it acts as a", or simply "it is a" depending on the context. For example, instead of "the tool is functioning as a data analyzer", try "the tool is a data analyzer".

Is "it functioning as a" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, /s/"it+functioning+as+a" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific or technical contexts where precision is important. However, ensure it's the most concise way to convey the information.

What's the difference between "it functioning as a" and "it working as a"?

"It functioning as a" suggests a designed or intended role, whereas "it working as a" implies an active process or current operation. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing purpose or activity.

Can "it functioning as a" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "it functioning as a" can be used for abstract concepts, such as describing how a theory functions as a framework or how a metaphor functions as a symbol.